Leonese rock lizard
The Leonese rock lizard, also known as Galan's rock lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is indigenous to Spain.
Geographic range
The species I. galani is endemic to the Montes [de León] in northwestern Spain.
Etymology
Its specific name, galani, honors the Corunnan herpetologist Dr. Pedro Galán Regalado for his lifelong dedication to the study of the Iberian herpetofauna and natural history in general.
Description
This species, I. galani, is characterized by its relatively large size. It is the biggest species of Iberolacerta with females reaching snout-to-vent length. It is also characterized by a high number of blue ocelli on the shoulders, and the relatively frequent contact or near-contact between the supranasal and the first loreal scale.
Habitat
The Leonese rock lizard inhabits rocky supraforestal habitats, at, with a high-mountain climate.
Behavior
As a heliothermic lizard, I.galani relies on basking to regulate its body temperature.Seasonal shifts in thermal preferences have been observed in I. galani, allowing it to maintain effective thermoregulation throughout the year.
Reproduction
I. galani is oviparous.